PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER CRITICAL ELECTRIC TRANSPORT TRAINING

TAFE Queensland is a provider of choice for global leaders

TAFE Queensland has been identified as a training provider of choice by the exclusive Australian distributors for global heavy automotive manufacturers, Foton Mobility, to assist in developing training to enable local Queensland businesses to prepare for a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) takeover in the heavy automotive sector.

The 100 percent Australian owned Foton Mobility Distribution currently supplies a range of ZEVs including Battery Electric (BEV) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell (FCEV) trucks and buses, and is at the forefront of heavy vehicle technology in Australia.

Foton Mobility announced in a press release that they had “signed Deeds of Collaboration with a number of major national education and vocational training institutions,” which includes TAFE Queensland.

Foton Mobility went on to say the partnerships will work towards “developing training programs and accreditations to meet the needs of the transport industry.”

“The partnerships we form with educational institutes are extremely important to us,” Foton

Mobility General Manager of Aftersales, Ross Thompson, said.

“Not only do they enable us to pass on our extensive body of knowledge around new energy vehicles, but they also help us to understand what skills need developing, and what skills don’t currently exist.

“Partners were chosen for this collaboration based on their experience and demonstrated excellence in their respective areas.

“TAFE Queensland are well-respected in the industry as developers of cutting-edge training and Foton Mobility is excited to work with the largest training provider in Queensland.”

TAFE Queensland Emerging Industries Business Development Manager, Shawn O’Sullivan, says the partnership is an acknowledgement of TAFE Queensland’s market-leading training and the respect that local industries have for the provider.

“TAFE Queensland is a proud leader in the training of automotive apprentices,” Shawn said.

“At June 30 2022, more than 50 percent of Queensland’s Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120) students were completing their training at TAFE Queensland.

“Looking towards future skills, we are leading the charge for ZEV training in Queensland, and this partnership is recognition for the work we are already doing to provide upskill opportunities to Queensland technicians.

“We have been offering nationally accredited Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) units as electives to all our automotive apprentices for a number of years and have added Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) units as these vehicles have become more popular.

“This is unique to TAFE Queensland and makes this important training available at no extra cost for employers and their apprentices.

“There are also Skillsets available for experienced industry members looking to upskill into the ZEV space, which we are offering to members from all corners of the automotive industry.

“We are looking forward to working with Foton Mobility to develop training that will support local industries and equip Queensland for its ZEV future.”

TAFE Queensland is the largest training provider in Queensland and provides vocational training to over 120,000 students per year, including almost 25,000 apprentices state-wide.

It is well-equipped to contribute to large-scale improvements to Queensland’s industries given its impressive tally of 60 campuses from Cairns to Coolangatta and out to Mt Isa.

For more information about automotive training, visit www.tafeqld.edu.au or call 1300 308 233.